Another highlight of last night's event was meeting illustrator Kelly Angelovicwho lives here in Boulder. Kelly is one of the 100 illustrators that I am profiling in Work/Life 3. I am honoured that so many talented people like her have invested in this project.

In order to create a unique assignment for each Work/Life participant, I sent everyone a fairly extensive list of questions about their life and career. Here is an except from Kelly's answers:

This life is big and wonderful. And full of pain. Through my work, I hope to infuse the world with a little more joy. A little more fun.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? How does this inform your work?

I have a journal that I write and sketch in. Some artists have sketchbooks that are works of art in themselves. Mine do not look like that. They are rough, scratchy, and unrefined. But I take those crude drawings and start drawing digitally until I have something that I like.

What inspires you?

Colour. Graphic design. Athletes. TED Talks. Musicians. Other people that have gone after their dreams and found success. Other illustrators. Artists. Interior design. Fabulous kid’s books. Architecture. UPPERCASE magazine. Letterpress. The creative potential of the human race.

Do you have hobbies or special interests? Do they relate to you career in any way?

I couldn’t rightfully call myself a Colorado native if I didn’t love to ski and do all things outdoor (cycling and hiking are at the top of the list). Yoga is a big part of my life. Creating. Writing. I don’t know what I would do without music. I get a lot of ideas when I am out moving my body. And it helps me decompress, an important counterbalance when I am up against a deadline and working into the wee hours of the night.

What would be your dream illustration assignment?

I would love to illustrate a beautifully written, whimsical children’s book. Or the cover of UPPERCASE magazine.

What is your benchmark for success as an illustrator?

Being able to work as an illustrator, without having to take on another gig, and make enough money to enjoy my life. Not in a fancy, huge house kind of way. Just in a ‘I can pay the mortgage, take care of my children, and go on vacation once in awhile’ kind of way. The artist in me rejects that notion that success should hinge on financial metrics, but the realist in me knows that if I can’t pay the bills, then it doesn’t work.

Why did you become an illustrator or artist?

When working on a project that I’m really excited about, I get this buzz...an electric current of excitement that lights me up from head to toe. I am an illustrator because it makes my soul sparkle.

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